Rapid transit

To support Auckland’s sustainable growth as a world-class city, $4 billion is being invested over the next 10 years in rapid transit infrastructure, to deliver a modern, integrated public transport system of light rail, heavy rail, busways, bus priority lanes, and ferries.

The two types of rapid transit infrastructure proposed for investment are Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT). The Transport Agency’s first significant rapid transit project, the Northern Busway, started operating in 2008 on Auckland’s North Shore. It provides North Shore commuters with fast, efficient bus travel along a dedicated corridor to the city centre.

Moving forward, light rail is being investigated for several key routes to complement the existing heavy rail network and deliver new rail connections and capacity. It is a first for New Zealand that will provide a modern integrated public transport system providing seamless connections and helping make Auckland’s transport network comparable with international cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Vancouver and Portland. Light rail also helps to unlock critical housing and urban development opportunities, giving communities better access to jobs, health, education and recreation options.